Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria

Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria

The Affordable Medicines Facility-malaria (AMFm) is a global initiative aimed at increasing access to affordable and effective antimalarial treatments. It was launched by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in 2009. The program seeks to reduce the price of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) and make them more widely available in malaria-endemic countries.

Background

Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. It is a major public health problem in many parts of the world, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. The disease can be prevented and treated, but access to effective treatment is often limited by high costs and availability issues.

Objectives

The main objectives of the AMFm are:

• To increase the availability of ACTs in public and private sectors.
• To reduce the price of ACTs for patients.
• To increase the use of ACTs as the first-line treatment for malaria.
• To delay the development of resistance to ACTs by ensuring their proper use.

Implementation

The AMFm operates by negotiating lower prices for ACTs with manufacturers and providing subsidies to reduce the cost of these medicines for buyers in malaria-endemic countries. The program works with both public and private sector distributors to ensure that the reduced prices are passed on to patients.

Impact

The AMFm has been implemented in several countries, including Ghana, Kenya, Madagascar, Niger, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Evaluations of the program have shown that it has been successful in increasing the availability and affordability of ACTs in these countries. However, the program has also faced challenges, such as ensuring that subsidies reach the intended beneficiaries and that ACTs are used appropriately.

Criticism and Challenges

While the AMFm has been praised for its innovative approach to increasing access to malaria treatment, it has also faced criticism. Some of the challenges include:

• Ensuring that subsidies are not misused or diverted.
• Monitoring the quality of ACTs distributed through the program.
• Addressing the potential for increased resistance to ACTs if they are not used properly.

Transition and Future

In 2012, the Global Fund decided to integrate the AMFm into its core grant management and funding processes. This decision was made to ensure the sustainability of the program and to continue supporting countries in their efforts to combat malaria.

See Also

• Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria
• Artemisinin-based combination therapy
• Malaria